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25 Days in Quito: A Visual Diary of Culture, Color & Cuisine

I spent 25 days in Quito, Ecuador, known as the first UNESCO world culture heritage site. It is 9,350 feet above sea level (at times, feeling a bit breathless). Quito is nestled deep into a valley surrounded by Andean mountains and volcanoes. One of the most biodiversity regions in the world. Its historic center was built on what was once part of the Inca civilization with some of the most well-preserved colonial architecture in all South America, steeped in old traditions. It is also a very large and densely populated modern city. Three weeks in Quito and five days in the Galapagos islands made for an unforgettable experience is this part of the world. Here is what I manage to do in Quito, also known as “La Mitad del Mundo” (middle of the world) where the equator meets Ecuador…

Faces of “Carnaval”: A Visual Story from the Heart of Ecuador

During my time in Quito, Ecuador, I attended “Carnaval “(quite different from what I expected). First, carnavals in all Ecuador are rooted among the Huarangas natives which over time got mixed in with Christian beliefs brought on by the Spanish colonizers. Each city celebrates “carnaval” a bit differently where traditionally people throw at each other flowers, water, flour or foam during the festivities in honor of the second moon. The city closes down for several days, gradually opening up after Ash Wednesday, embracing a long tradition that symbolizes renewal and happiness. Quite the experience…

Bogotá Uncovered: One Week in the City of Contrasts

Leaving Cartagena for a week’s stay in the capital of Bogota, a city 8500 feet above sea level with a population of over 8 million.  Bogota is the Colombia’s cultural center as it dominated all forms of cultural expressions. A modern city with a beautiful historic center with much of its ancestral architecture still in place. No longer one of the most violent city in the world, Bogota today is a melting pot of all cultures from different regions known for its cuisine, murals, street markets, festivals and art.  I stayed several blocks from the historic, colorful Candelaria neighborhood, visiting many of its museums and historic buildings as well as making a trip to the popular Andean mountains to visit a friend. If you have plans to come to Bogota, check out my week in this amazing city ….

Navigating Nature’s Masterpiece: A Galápagos Cruise Experience

A cruise through the Galápagos Islands will allow you to not only understand the connection between Charles Darwin and his theory on evolution but to see the force of the islands’ volcanic origin (still active) and its biodiversity both on land and sea. Each island (got to visit 7) is a lasting memory of the unique wildlife and geology of this remote region. Home to many species, such as the Galapagos land and marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and the famous Galápagos tortoise. But sadly, there are many challenges that threaten this “Living Museum” starting with rising sea levels, higher ocean temperature, invasive species, illegal fishing, over tourism and population growth. Although the islands are part of a national park, it may not have the resources to manage it conservation when there are so many uncontrollable factors and special interests. Here is my take on what was a lifetime adventure…

Immersed in Cartagena: History, Culture, and the Caribbean Spirit no

As I embark on my second year of travel, this time going south, my first stop is Cartagena, Colombia.  Here I remained for six weeks as I mapped out the first several months of my travels. Cartagena is both a port, and a historic walled city situated on the Caribbean coast on the northern tip of South America. The city reminds me so much of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico from its fortress to its people, cuisine, Spanish colonial architecture, music and customs. Quite picturesque with its tropical year-around weather and festive Latin culture. Here is what I learned about its history, culture and Caribbean spirit….

Echoes from La Guajira and the Wayuu Tribe of Colombia

During my stay in Colombia, I traveled for several days to the northern coast of Colombia known as La Guajira Peninsula, part desert where the indigenous community, the Wayuu Tribe has lived for centuries. Wayuu are semi-nomadic herders and traders also known as the people of sun, sand and wind. They mostly inhabited lands in the coastal areas of northern Colombia and Venezuela.  Today, the Wayuu ancient way of life is being threatened by climate change and the consequences of the outside world.….

Cappadocia: A Journey Through the Land of Fairy Chimneys and Mystical Caves

Cappadocia is a region in Central Turkey known for its geographical landscape caused by millions of year of volcanic eruptions. These surreal rock formations are known as fairy chimneys and mushrooms, but honestly, they also look like something folks are too polite to name. The cities in this region were built from cave dwellings. In fact, the area is known for its cave dwellings, its landscape, its cuisine, textiles and ceramic plates but especially its hot-air balloon rides. I stayed in a cave in the city of Goreme, the tourist center of the province of Nevsehir. This once rural and impoverished region is very much now a tourist city. Here’s what I learned and enjoyed about this unique region of Turkey ending my three weeks in this country….

A Balloon’s Journey Soaring Over Cappadocia’s Timeless Landscape  

I always been fascinated by the photos I’ve seen of the Cappadocia Balloon Festival, one of the largest balloon festivals in the world, organized every July. The region’s stunning natural landscape of dramatic rock formations, fairy chimneys, and lush valleys is one of a kind. It has always been on my bucket list to visit this place and take a balloon flight regardless of when the festival is held. I somehow managed to take two, both times unable to contain my excitement. Here is why you may want to put this on your bucket list…..

Two Weeks in Istanbul: A Journey Through Time and Culture

The city of Istanbul is a densely populated metropolis of over 16 million people. It is famously known as the city between two continents – Europe and Asia divided by the waterway known as the Bosporus Sea Strait. This is a Muslim city with the opportunity to explore and learn about its many ancient mosques, cultural landmarks and museums. There is a timeless charm to the city with its many bazaars, blue mosques, historic neighborhoods, and the daily chanting of the EZAN (call to prayer), both haunting and mysteriously charming. Truly a two-week journey through time and culture. Here is what I’ve learned…

Timeless Venice: 25 Days of Art, Culture, and History

Venice, known as “the floating city” is built on more than 100 small islands based on an intricate system of canals and waterways created by humans, unlike any in the world. A historic city known for its picturesque architecture, its Carnevale masks and traditions, its marbled palaces, Murano glass masters, and let me not forget, its romantic gondolas.  An immensely beautiful and timeless city confronted with its own ecological problems as the sea level continue to rise and over-tourism affects its authenticity and preservation. I spent 25 days exploring Venice, learning about its past, present and future. Here is what I experienced….